japan online tour

Testimonials

Upcoming & Past Tours

To watch the past tour, click “add to cart” and complete the payment. You’ll receive the video link to watch the recorded live tour.

KitaKyūshū Sunset Illumination ~Mojikō Port Night Walk【21 Feb】

Discover Abundant Nature & Culture in Nokonoshima Island Park【20 Feb】

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Guided by Shinto Priest【19 Feb】

Kyoto Arashiyama Night Walk ~Sky Lantern & Bamboo forest【11 Dec.】

Walking around picturesque town, Ojika in Nagasaki【24 Oct.】

Sunset Sushi Dinner Live【23 Oct.】

Private Online Tour

Learn Pottery Making from Pottery Artists【23 Oct.】

Miyama Kayabuki no Sato in Kyoto【7 Sep】

Mizunomori Water Botanical Garden in Shiga【29 Aug】

Kobe Kitano Walking Tour【21 Aug】

Discovering 150-year-old lodging ~ Minshuku, Japanese inn 【7 Aug】

Lotus Flower Viewing Tour (11 July)

Kyoto Fushimi Scenic Walking Tour

Nara Park & Kasuga Taisha Walking

Kinosaki Onsen Scenic Walking Tour

Heian Jingu Shrine Garden Walking Tour

Discovering Japanese Quality Scissors and Knives Tour

Breathtaking Sakura Viewing and Walking Tour @ Mt. Yoshino

Craft Sakura Postcard in a Japanese Paper Shop

Ohanami Walking & Discover hidden gems Tour at Ueno Park!

Explore Beppu’s Kannawa Onsen with a local guide!

Daikagura & Rakugo ~Street Performance & Comic storytelling!

Japanese Superfood: Miso factory tour! ~Learn how Miso is made @Rokko Miso

Retro but Lively ~Ishikiri Shopping Street Walking Tour

Earlybird Ohanami ~KawazuZakura viewing tour

Osaka Castle Ume (plum) blossoms viewing Tour

North Saga-Arashiyama Temple Walking Tour

What is japan online tour.

Discover online live tours, guiding you to the far corners of Japan!

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, many people cannot go abroad freely nor visit Japan.

So, We are now offering live entertainment showing you the current scenes of Japan and taking you on live tours somewhere in the country each time!

On each guided tour, you will feel like you are traveling all around Japan but from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Your guide conducts each tour from the venue on live.

You can even ask the guide questions in realtime via chat!

To join the tours, purchase each tour and you’ll receive a url link to join the live tour by email. (To ask/comment during the live tour, you will need to have a YouTube account)

There is a monthly subscription option as well. Once you join the membership, you will be invited to a closed Facebook Group where you can access to all the upcoming Live Tours and Past Tours. 

So, don’t worry, even if you miss a live tour. You can always catch up later at your convenience.

Post-tour Blog

NAGASAKI 3 DAYS

Mt. Yoshino Sakura Viewing and Walking Tour

Ishikiri shrine approach shopping street

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Have you been itching to travel but the pandemic has left you stuck at home? Don’t worry, you can still satisfy your travel lust. Technology has allowed us to explore the world virtually and it is easier and more convenient than ever before. If you have Japan in mind, Japan Online Tour offers you a wide variety of virtual tours through our engaging and experienced local guide. Japan Online Tour is the leading hub that takes you on a fun and exciting journey without the hassle of booking your flight, packing your luggage and going through tedious airport security. All you need to do is sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home. You can even invite your friends to join our Japan virtual travel tours and create memories together as you discover a new culture. Forget your worries and bring your curiosity as we immerse you in the unique and best virtual tours in Japan.

Has social distancing left you feeling disconnected? Are you tired of the usual movie night or endless scrolling through your social media feed? Our virtual travel tours offer you an engaging way to explore new places in Japan and meet other people along the way. Perhaps you are feeling a bit nostalgic from your last Japan trip? Then come join us at Japan Online Tour, the guided virtual tours and you can relive the fun moments and special memories you have experienced before all the travel bans have been put in place. We take you around bustling cities and the idyllic countryside. Our local guide will introduce you to interesting facts and hidden stories behind each destination. From lesser known nature spots to exquisite beaches, we capture the charm of every place that is worth visiting. Our in-depth look into various aspects of Japanese culture will give you new insights and a deeper understanding of Japanese history and its people. If you are an adventure enthusiast or thrill-seeker, you can expect that we go beyond the usual places of interest offered by other tours. Come expand your horizons and bring back the magic of travel as you explore Japan from home online.

During our online Japan tour, we use top-notch equipment to ensure we maintain the quality of our Japan live tours. We seek to make the experience as realistic and authentic as possible. We take you walking, hiking, driving or taking part in activities as if you were with us in person. To get a glimpse of what’s in store for you, please  subscribe  and browse our past tours. To stay updated on upcoming tours, please sign-up for our newsletter by registering from the right top of this page. What are you waiting for? Travel to japan online with us by subscribing today. We hope to see you soon!

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10 Top Rated Virtual Japan Tours To Take Online

Experiences

4    comments

10 Top-Rated Virtual Japan Tours by Rob Dyer

How the tours were shortlisted.

To compile this list I turned to the Viator website. (FYI, Viator is owned by Tripadvisor).

Viator's website makes it easy to discover and book something you'd love to do in Japan (or any other popular destination). They focus on quality and their excellent service includes free cancellation.  

I reviewed all the virtual Japan tours available through Viator and then applied a strict rating threshold to come up with our shortlist. I filtered the tours by applying a traveler review rating of 5 stars - the highest possible review rating on Viator.

Tours had to have at least three 5-Star reviews in the past year to be included.

With the exception of one ( Gion tour in Kyoto ), every entry included is 5-Star rated by genuine Viator customers. That's real people who have actually taken these specific virtual tours.

To give you a further feel for what to expect, I've included a representative review by a  genuine customer for each of the tours. 

If you take any of these tours (and you should!) be sure to let me and others know what you thought of them by leaving a comment below .

Let's get started!

Tokyo Highlights Virtual Tour

TOKYO - IMPERIAL PALACE

Tokyo Imperial Palace Historical Virtual Tour

In this tour, you'll visit Tokyo's Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, two of Tokyo's finest and historic sites. You'll get insider travelling tips at each location, illustrated with images, videos and 360-degree photos, that will help you plan your next trip. 

TOKYO - SHIBUYA + SHINJUKU

Tokyo Online: Virtual Experience in Shibuya and Shinjuku

Share the excitement of two of Tokyo’s most popular and exciting districts online. Travel around these two iconic areas from the comfort of home. Grab a snack and some drinks to enjoy while you hang out.

Kyoto Virtual Tour

This is a virtual tour using Zoom, the online conference system. This one hour tour brings you to one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan, Kyoto. Two friendly hosts will make your experience more interactive.

KYOTO - GION

Gion Walking Tour by Night with Virtual Option

Discover Kyoto’s magical Gion district, which is known for being the city’s Geisha area. This virtual option is conducted simultaneously with the live 'real' group tour by making use of the Zoom video conferencing application.

Osaka Virtual Tour

This one hour long tour brings you to one of the most unique and fun cities in Japan, Osaka. Two hosts use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from their own homes, adding a personal dimension to the experience.

Virtual Guided Tour of Takayama

This is a live tour of the streets of Takayama's old town, which guest can join via Whatsapp, Line, Facetime or Skype. It includes all the town's most distinctive features, including the red bridge, a local Shinto shrine, and an explanation of sake tasting.

Studio Ghibli Spots Tour

This online experience will take you to the places which are said to be the inspiration for Studio Ghibli films. It's a 45-60 minute experience via Zoom and operated with the aim of expanding your wishlist places when you next visit Japan.

Japan: The Bathing and Sento Experience

This online experience will introduce you to Japanese bathing culture, starting from fancy Onsen (hot springs) to local Sento (public bath). Learn the customs and rules of taking bath in Japan, get knowledgeable and prepared for your next trip to Japan.

Cocktail Connections: Online Happy Hour in Japan

Join a local expert for a virtual cocktail session, live from Japan. With 20 years experience in the food and beverage and tourism industries, your host will share some fun DIY cocktails and help answer questions you may have about life in Tokyo.  Kampai!

The Virtual Tours - In Depth

Rating:  5/5 stars, duration: 45-60 minutes.

This Mt. Fuji Virtual Tour is a good way to get to know the most iconic and majestic symbol of Japan.

Mt Fuji is very special to the Japanese,  representing faith and admiration. This online experience shares Mt. Fuji and the areas around it from a local’s perspective. You will get to hear about the history, culture as well as stories from the locals who live in Shizuoka prefecture. You will discover some of the things to see and do and the best food that you must try when you visit in person.

* NOTE Tour times are Japan Standard Time . You'll need to convert these to your local time before making your booking.

What's Included

• Post-tour resource guide with links and information
• Information about Japanese food and Japanese culture in general
• Time to find out more about your Japan wish-list

Customer Review

What I Like

Several customer reviews are from people who have previously visited Mt. Fuji in person, and even they thought this virtual tour was great, and that it adds new information that can be used when next visiting in real life. 

Reserve Now & Pay Later Secure your spot while staying flexible

Free Cancellation Up to 24 hours in advance

* NOTE Tour times are Japan Standard Time. You'll need to convert these to your local time before making your booking.

• Explanation about Tokyo city
• Tips to visit iconic places and recommendations from a local guide
• Q & A session about Tokyo and Japan

Several customer reviews specifically mention how useful this tour is for future trip planning.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

In this tour, you'll visit Tokyo's Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, two of Tokyo's finest and historic sites. 

Both locations are engrained into Japanese culture and history, which is why you should know more about these two if you are interested in Japan. You'll get insider travelling tips at each location, illustrated with images, videos and 360-degree photos, that will help you plan your next trip.

This virtual tour is very interactive and includes quizzes about Japanese culture. * NOTE Tour times are Japan Standard Time. You'll need to convert these to your local time before making your booking.

• Live Q+A throughout - your guide will answer any questions
• Tour handout sent in advance to follow along with and help guide you live
• Includes virtual stops at Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace and Soto Sakuradamon Gate 

Customer reviews frequently praise the knowledge of the virtual guide, saying that afterwards it felt like they had actually been there in person. 

Rating:  5/5 Stars Duration: 1 hour

During this online experience, you will share the excitement of two of Tokyo’s most popular and exciting districts.

You can travel around these two iconic areas from the comfort of home. Bring a snack and some drinks to enjoy while you hang out. 

Meet and connect with your local expert host who will take you on this virtual adventure! This tour team has hosted over 27,000 guests on walking food tours, sharing stories, history, information, local tips as well as Japanese foodie culture. 

Tours take place at 21:00 JST (Japan Standard Time), so be sure to see what this is in your local time before booking.

• Resource guide with links and information shared during the tour
• Information about Japan and Japanese culture in general
• “Ask Me Anything” time to find out more about your Japan wish-list

This tour is a great way to hear first hand about Japanese life and culture in two of Tokyo's most famous and lively districts. The guide is happy to answer questions about your future trip planning for Tokyo and Japan.

This is a virtual tour using Zoom, online conference system. This one hour tour brings you to one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan, Kyoto. Two friendly hosts will make your experience more interactive.

We use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from guides' living room, that makes you feel livelier. 

You can ask them anything about Japan, Kyoto and other popular tourists spots by chat or by talk session after the tour. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan.

*NOTE the tour time is Japan Standard Time. You need to make adjustment to your local time when booking.

• National Licensed English speaking local tour guide
• Interactive communication with local guides
• Fun quizzes and giveaway

This tour includes not one but two hosts, both of whom are local experts. Each bringing their knowledge and expertise to your virtual experience. 

Rating:  4.5/5 Stars Duration: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Discover Kyoto’s magical Gion district, which is known for being the city’s Geisha area.

Don't worry about language barriers, as your guide translates and explains the difference between maiko, geiko, and other relevent Japanese words. The unmarked narrow streets of Gion can make it easy to get lost at night, but this is not a problem with a guide to navigate and lead the way. 

This is usually an in-person tour. However, for those who cannot join the tour, a virtual option is available. This is conducted simultaneously with the 'real' group tour by making use of the Zoom video application.

During the tour, you are allowed to ask questions by texting through the 'Q+A function' of Zoom. *NOTE: tour times are Japan Standard Time. Make adjustment to your local time when making your booking. 

• No getting lost - your guide navigates you down Gion’s narrow alleyways
• Learn where to find hidden places in the Geisha district
• Go to areas when  Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed
• Learn about Geiko and  Maiko from your guide

While all other tours here have a 5/5 rating, this one is just so popular, with over 180 reviews, I thought it ought to be included. It's also one of the longer tours. It has a rating of 4.5/5.

RELATED: You might want to read our  Secret Moments of Maikos  post

This is a virtual tour using the Zoom online conference system. This one hour long tour brings you to one of the most unique and fun cities in Japan, Osaka.

Two friendly hosts make your experience interactive. They use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from their own living rooms, adding a personal dimension to the experience.

You can ask them anything about Japan, Osaka and other popular tourists spots by chat or during the Q+A session following the tour. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan.

*NOTE: tour times are Japan Standard Time. Make adjustment to your local time when making your booking.

• Interactive communication
• Post tour Q+A session
• Two virtual guides

This virtual tour includes not one but two hosts. Both of whom are local guides. The customer reviews on Viator are full of praise for them both. 

Rating:  5/5 Stars Duration: 30 minutes

Host Luca created this online live tour in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is a live tour of the streets of Takayama's old town, which guest can join via Whatsapp, Line, Facetime or Skype. It includes all the town's most distinctive features, including the red bridge, morning market, a local Shinto shrine, and an explanation of sake tasting.

Information provided along the way includes historical aspects of the city, and both how politics and commerce have played key roles in the history of the town.

 *NOTE: tour times are Japan Standard Time. Make adjustment to your local time when making your booking.

• Glimpse Takayama's famous historic floats used in annual festivals
• Features several of Takayama's most distinctive sights
• English, Italian and Japanese speaking host 

Host Luca has made it really easy to join his live tour of this wonderful town, with guests able to join through Whatsapp, Line, Facetime or Skype.

You Might Also Like: An Expert Online Tour of Takayama's Merchant Quarter

This online experience will take you to the places throughout Japan which are the inspiration for some of Studio Ghibli most famous films. Ideal if you're unable to visit the Ghibli Museum in person .

It's about 45-60 minute experience via Zoom. Operated with the aim of expanding your wishlist places of your next visit to Japan. A question and answer session is included covering both Studio Ghibli films and Japan in general.

*The time of the tour is Japan Standard Time. Please exchange to your time before booking.

• Ghibli related spots throughout Japan from Hokkaido in the north,  to Kagoshima in the south
• Q & A session about Studio Ghibli and Japan
• Meet a local Ghibli fan and share their love for Ghibli animated films

What a great idea! Studio Ghibli is well-known for drawing inspiration from real locations throughout Japan, and this is a great way to easily see some of them.

Rating:  5/5 Stars Duration: 45 minutes-1 hour

This online experience will introduce you to the Japanese bathing culture, starting from fancy Onsen (hot springs) to local Sento (public bath).

Learn the customs and rules of taking bath in Japan, and get prepared for your next trip to Japan (hopefully in the near future!). What you discover here you can then apply when you visit in person. 

＊All times specified are in Japan Standard Time. Please check your time zone before booking.

• Explanation about Japanese bathing culture
• A list of recommended onsen and tatoo-friendly sento/onsen in and around Tokyo
• Q +A session about bathing culture and Japan

A great example of how to use virtual tours to learn about Japanese culture before you come to Japan. Includes a list of tatoo-friendly sento/onsen in and around the Tokyo area.

BONUS! Cocktail Connections: Online Happy Hour in Japan

Join a local expert for a virtual cocktail session, live from Japan. With 20 years experience in the food and beverage and tourism industries, your host will share some fun DIY cocktails and help answer questions you may have about life in Tokyo. She will also share some hidden gems, tips and tricks in the city, and show you how to make your own delicious Japanese-style cocktails and mocktails at home. Learn some bar basics - AMA “Ask me anything” format to answer questions about cocktails, Japan, and Japanese culture and food travel.

This experience is great for locals living in Japan, as well as Japan and bar fans around the world. 

Sessions take place on Saturdays at 9pm.  They also have time slots for 10am Wednesdays and 12pm Fridays. All times given are  JST (Japan Standard Time), so be sure to see what this is in your local time before booking. 

• Learn 2 Japanese cocktail recipes that are easy to learn and recreate
• Information about Japanese drinks and culture in general
• "Ask Me Anything" format on cocktails and Japanese food and drink culture

OK, not strictly a tour at all ;-), but if you can't go out, have a few drinks and hang out with friends at the moment, why not try your hand at a cocktail or two with an expert all the way from Japan!?

Stuck at Home? 11 Virtual Tours for Enjoying Japan

Beat social distancing and experience a new side of Japan

Let the power of technology, like virtual museum tours or live video feeds, decide where to visit on your next holiday—or help you pass your time during a spot of social distancing as coronavirus worries continue.

Whether you’re already in Japan, scratching your head because of the closed attractions or still planning your next trip, these fantastic e-tours and live feeds will help you pass the time and maybe even add a few new places to your bucket list.

Show your support! Like many businesses affected by social distancing, a number of places around Japan are seeing fewer visitors than before —if you've already visited yourself, help others by leaving a review to guide others where to go on a future trip! Find a place

Tokyo National Museum

Located in beautiful Ueno Park in Tokyo, you can see works of art and antiques from Japan and other Asian countries. Check out their online exhibit, “ Maple Viewers ”, which beautifully depicts the Kiyotaki River north of Kyoto in autumn and the people enjoying the foliage of the season.

You can also visit their virtual museum to see paintings, sculptures, and many other wonderful works of art and history with museum explanations for each one. Why not take a tour of the Tokyo National Museum from the comfort of your home or hotel room?

• 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712
• 9:30 - 17:00 (Closed now)

National Museum of Nature and Science

Nearby Tokyo National Museum, Ueno's National Museum of Nature and Science has also launched its own 3D/VR experience to allow viewers to discover inside the museum without actually stepping foot in Japan. Explore both the Japan pavilion and the Global pavilion in great detail thanks to high-resolution imagery and the ability to navigate around the museum freely. Find the full expeeirnce on the dedicated VR site from the comfort of your home.

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side at the Sapporo Maruyama Zoo ’s animal video page ! You can see the snow monkeys, giraffes, beavers, hippos, wolves, and more. Even better, the videos are updated often and show you the living quarters of each animal as well as some very cute video shots. Kids and parents alike are sure to love this “day at the zoo”.

Tokyo Fuji Art Museum

On this virtual tour from Tokyo Fuji Art Museum , you get to experience the walk to the museum as well! Go on a walk from the station to the hallways of some of the world’s most enchanting artworks, some dating back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. You’ll find not only Japanese masterpieces here, but also Eastern and Western artworks from around the world. From fine art to blacksmithing pieces of antiquity, you’re in for a treat at the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum.

The Kyoto Distillery

Looking for something a little more mature? How about a gin distillery online tour of Kyoto Distillery? On this virtual tour, you can explore the warehouse floor of a live distillery and see how the process works from start to finish. Even better, the tour contains interactive exhibits that explain the distilling process. Explore this pristine distillery and learn about the process behind their Ki No Bi dry gin—after you’re done, why not order a bottle and try a mixed drink gin recipe .

Tokyo Rail Tracks

For fans of trains and city life, be sure to check out this live feed of Tokyo’s railways. Available rain or shine, at all times of the day, watch the trains snake by from 4:30 am to 1:10 am. This station services ten different lines. The skyscrapers and roadways in the back are just as grand to watch, especially at sunset and night, when the bright landscape flickers with night lights of the city. The trains clacking on the rails also makes for a relaxing white noise and gives you a sense of Tokyo’s magnitude.

Fujisan Watcher

Missed out on your chance to hike the majestic and iconic peak of Japan? Well, don’t worry. With Fujisan Watcher ’s live feed from multiple sources, you can see just about every side of Mount Fuji at any time of the day. Clear days and sunset are especially beautiful to see the snow-capped mountain. Who knows? It might even help you decide which side of Mount Fuji you like best and where to stay next time you’re in the area.

Chidorigafuchi Sakura Blossoms

Ah, springtime in Japan. It’s the season for cherry blossoms—but what if you can’t make it during the short window when the flowers are blooming? Why just check out this live YouTube feed from Chidorigafuchi Park and watch the delicate flowers from bud to full bloom. The park-and-moat scenery is relaxing and you’d never guess it was in the heart of Tokyo.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Ever wanted to see those little red-faced snow monkeys as they relax in the hot spring waters of Jigokudani Yaen Park ? Well, thanks to this live feed , you can! You might get lucky and get the little creatures when they’re in for a dip. The Japanese macaques have a higher chance of being in the hot springs on cold days but they can often still be seen playing around the area. They’re especially active at feeding time.

• 6845, Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano, 〒381-0401
• 8:30 - 17:00 (Closed now)

Fun with the kids

If you’re looking for a way to engage the little ones of your house, look no farther than Kids Web Japan . The whole family can learn about Japan and the people, culture, and history. Try to cook some recipes for an especially fun way to pass the time together. You’re sure to find a new favorite food for you and the whole family.

Tokyo Tower

The romance of Tokyo Tower is something that draws hundreds to visit the tower every day. But with social distancing on the rise during COVID-19, you may find yourself far from your dreams of dizzying heights. With this Google Streetview-like tour of the inside, you can be whisked hundreds of meters into the air and "walk" around the interior of Tokyo Tower. See the Tokyo skyline for yourself!

• 4-2-8 Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 105-0011
• 9:00 - 23:00 (Open Now)
• ¥900 - ¥2800

Hopefully, by visiting some of these spots you can shake off winter blues or the stir craze from quarantine. It's a great thing to see so many entertainment and learning facilities come together to offer virtual tours and online feeds to would-be guests, especially during these difficult times.

Be sure to check out what's nearby for even more possible online and virtual tours. And who knows? Perhaps now that you've seen them online, you'll be inspired to visit in-person next time you have a chance!

Japan Travel at Home

Japan Travel has launched a great new service, Japan Travel at Home , that allows you to experience Japan from the comfort of your home in an online environment. Choose from one of the amazing tours on offer and explore Japan—even go shopping and have your purchases sent to your home—with knowledgeable guides in real-time!

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Community writer

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9 Virtual Tours Of Japan You Can Experience Now

Experience japan from your couch in your pajamas.

by Nupur Singh 13k Views

These are weird times indeed. Worldwide travel is at a complete standstill, and most of us are stuck at home dreaming of our next visit to Japan. Thankfully the internet has provided us with the ability to virtually travel and experience a slice of Japan from our home.

We’ve compiled our favorite virtual tours and live streams of Japan featuring everything from Cherry-blossoms to Museums, Shrines, and even a virtual guide through Harajuku.

Pour yourself some sake or grab a Sapporo beer and join us as we fly on our virtual trip to Japan.

9 Virtual Tours Of Japan

1. japan’s 47 prefectures.

Visit all 47 prefectures of Japan with this video from JNTO (The Japanese National Tourism Organization), which provides a summary of each area’s famous spots.

A must watch clip for a quick introduction of the different landscapes of Japan: spanning from the subtropical forest islands of Okinawa to the scenic waterfalls of Shiretoko (Hokkaido) from the snow monkeys of Nagano to the deer of Nara and everything from the sand-dunes of Tottori to the finest rolling greens farms of Iwate, a glimpse of the only freshwater lake Biwa to the Mount Fuji.

2. Virtually Tour the Best Museums 

Japan’s oldest National Museum, built-in 1872, flaunts an exhaustive collection of historical artifacts. Thankfully their online exhibition gives you a chance to gaze through over 100 precious pieces- ranging from ceramics, textiles, and sculptures. A must watch; the lifelike 16th-century illustration by “Kano Hideyori” is a dreamy addition to the online exhibit.

Tokyo National Museum Virtual Tour

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo

The cutting-edge National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Odaiba, also known as Miraikan, is nothing short of amazing. From talking robots to an online citizen astronomy project, this interactive museum hosts high tech exhibitions and hands-on content. In addition, science fans from any corner of the world can now watch online exhibits. Learn about “our connection with earth” and “the differences between robots and humans.” A fun online galaxy cruise is also available.

National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo Tour

Galaxy Cruise Virtual Tour

Unko Museum, Tokyo

A day at this brightly colored poop museum is far from your typical day at a museum. International guests from abroad can enjoy a strange interactive experience of the Unko museum from home with poop inspired games, an opportunity to create a poop background for video calls, and an exhibition of poop art from various artists around the world.

Unko Museum Online

Ghibli Museum

The legendary Ghibli Museum is offering a glimpse of this must-see attraction for fans of anime. Phots and videos of the museum are prohibited therefore making this is a one-of-a-kind virtual tour.

The Team Lab Borderless

A digital art wonderland, Team Lab Borderless is a world of integrated pieces of visuals, art, music, and vibrations forming a borderless space. At this world’s first remarkable digital museum – the mind constructs and sheds the many ways of experiencing a world through Time and design. Experience the forest of resonating lamps, wander through the crystal world, or the weightless forest of resonating life experience all the whimsical wonders at this museum through official videos of the exhibits.

The National Museum of modern art, Tokyo

Japan’s first national modern art museum online exhibition features 25 Japanese style paintings – a mix of abstract work from artists like Aimitsu, Ei-Q, an oil painting by Eisaku Wada, and collection of pre-II world war renditions.

The National Museum of modern art

3. Virtually Tour the Parks of Japan

Don’t settle for a summer at home; take a video walkthrough the millions of blue neophilia, colorful tulips, or the yellow narcissus blooms at the Hitachi Seaside Park . Or take a virtual tour of the Cherry blossoms with googles 360-degree views or take a peek at Jigokudani’s red-faced “snow monkeys” chilling in an onsen. 

Cherry Blossom 360-degree view with Google Earth

Live Footage of the Japanese Macaque Using the Onsen

4. Virtual Tours of Temples and Shrines in Japan

These online videos will allow you to stroll through the stunning red tori gates of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto from the comfort of your home.

Virtually travel through the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital “the Senso-Ji shrine” or visit the Shinto shrine of Meiji Jingu located in Shibuya, Tokyo.

5. Virtually Visit Zoos and Aquariums

Hirakawa Zoo 

Hirakawa Zoo, located in Kagoshima city, boasts about 140 wildlife species and 1000 animals in an expanse of 31.4 hectares. The Zoo is known for raising Koalas, and the exquisite white tigers can be seen on live streaming from 9:00 to 16:00 hours daily on the official website.

View the White Tigers

View the Aquariumn

Nihondaira Zoo

A municipal Zoo located in Shizuoka city is home to over 700 animals – Siberian tigers, Giraffes, Orangutans, Lions, and many others. Meet Rossi (male) and Vanilla (female) the two polar bears through live streaming from the Zoo on their YouTube channel from 8:00 to 17:00 hours daily.

Sunshine Aquarium

This Aquarium situated in Ikebukuro gathers a broad interest from around the country due to its variety of marine life ranging from adorable penguins to the clownfish, from the sea lions to the scandalous jellyfish. View the underwater adventures on their live streaming videos or watch the educational Instagram feeds.

Sunshine Aquarium Live Camera

Sunshine Aquarium Instagram

Also, catch a cuddly family of 4 wombats at the Satsukiyama Zoo where they live stream them every day.

WOMBATS at the Satsukiyama Zoo

6. Explore Harajuku with a Virtual Tour Guide

This virtual tour provided by Magical Trip is sure to make any fashion enthusiast happy. This paid virtual tour of the Harajuku showcases the most interesting parts of Harajuku and will provide insights into Japanese pop-culture and fashion trend.

Book the tour with Magical Trip

7. Virtually Sip a Japanese Beverage

Learn how to brew a cup of green tea or juggle a few Japanese cocktails with the local expert “Lauren” over a 1-hour paid virtual session by the Arigato tour. Meet people and form connections while learning about green teas and the basics of the bar. Group sizes are strictly kept small, so sign up before its too late.

Arigato Japan Food Tours

8. Virtually Visit Popular Japanese Landmarks

Virtually wanderlust the famed landmarks of Japan through live streams of the iconic Shibuya crossing, the Tokyo Sky Tree, and the Rainbow bridge. 

9. Virtually Step Back In Time 

Travel back in time with these vintage clips of the yesteryears.

A visual treat of a black and white era, step back in time and witness Asakusa streets and life from 1913 to 1915. 

Also, this amazing colorized Tokyo life footage from 1916-1917 displays the grand red-brick structure of Tokyo station and the then newly built Nihonbashi bridge.

This video from 1897 gives us a peek into what life was like 123 years back—filmed in the Nihonbashi area crowded by wealthy men dressed in yukatas on rickshaws unrelatable to the present-day financial district of Nihonbashi.

Do you know of cool virtual tours of Japan that we missed? Let us know in the comments!

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Virtual Tour of Japan

Recommend virtual tour.

It was very fun.

I want to visit and see the real sumo match in person. Now my daughter wants to learn more about sumo. Thank you.

Nice to see areas that you would not immediately visit as a "normal" tourist! Compliments for the very interesting explanation of Damiano-san! Again, I think I know a lot about Japan already, but everytime I learn new things during the virtual tours.

Really enjoyed this tour!

Takeda-senseee's sado/origami demonstrations were excellent! And Taira-san's interpretation was precise! I've learned a lot today in the Q&A session as well. でも、バーチャルだからお菓子とお茶が食べられなかったのが残念！ I'll definitely visit Chazen in Asakusa next time I go to Japan..

Thank you for making this happen!

We really enjoyed this virtual sado/origami experience. Our students are very shy, but I'm sure they enjoyed the experience too ;)

Very nice tour!

The guide's English is easy to listen to. His explanation is also interesting. I had fun. Thank you so much!

The sumo wrestlers were very entertaining!!

I enjoyed the event, the exercise were interesting but difficult and I would give my best shot in doing them daily. I learnt alot about Sumo and thought the dedication etc for the sport was very interesting and how hard they work. Thankyou again!

Thank you for the tour, it was extremely interesting!

Thank you for your kindness, hospitality and OMOTENASHI!

Very fun tour.

23 May 2021

It was very fun. I want to visit and see the real sumo match in person. Now my daughter wants to learn more about sumo. Thank you.

Wonderful tour!

22 May 2021

I felt like I was going out for real because Japan was in a state of emergency and it was awkward to go out. Thank you very much.

Interesting.

It was very interesting than I expected. A facilitator is needed, but it was fascinating that the main speaker was a real wrestler.It was very nice that attention was paid to the details and preparations, such as the combination of lectures and experiences, and the creation of easy to understand materials during the lectures.Both Tashiro-san and Aoki-san had a high point that the characters were standing. It was an impression that HIS made what they wanted to do, rather than just being forced to do it.I will participate in the next tour too!!

So much fun!

Sumo wrestler was humorous and funny.

thank you very much, it was very interesting.

Great webinar!

I follow sumo (on tv and online) for some years now. Unfortunately never had the chance to see a tournament live in Japan. But I know a lot already. This webinar was very interesting, even I learned new things. About the history, the mawashi (8 meter!) and so on. The demonstration was fun! Thanks to Aoki-san and Tashiro-san! Damian-san did a good job as moderator and translator. Great webinar!

Enjoyable guide!

22 April 2021

The guide was so enjoyable! The tour guide was great, friendly, informative, engaging and personable! Such a great experience offered during these covid times.

Love this tour!

Loved this so much, great tour guide and really interesting tour. What a great concept, love it!

Great experience

This was a delightful experience, thank you!

Fun environment.

11 Apr 2021

This was very well run and provided a fun environment. Thank you so much and stay safe!

The first online tour.

It was my first time and I enjoyed it! Planning to join next time too!

It was quite interesting to see a few aspects of Japan.

Considering the technical coordination aspects connecting with several locations, the presentation worked quite well. It was quite interesting to see a few aspects of Japan and especially during cherry blossom season. I learned more about the areas and Mt Fuji. Very enjoyable. Especially got a laugh out of the sake drinking. Kanpai!

Miyagi sakura is splendid!

Miyagi sakura is splendid! I will go there next time!

Very professional team.

This was my first experience of a virtual tour - I liked all aspects - the locations and both presenters, the quizzes, the Q&A. I thought you did a really good job presenting, coordinating and making it feel a bit informal as well as some formal information. I loved the little picnic, the walk up to the Pagoda, the views, the feel of the crowds. It was all well coordinated, the technology worked and it helped give me a taste for Japan (I have only been once for work and you never get to see much beyond hotels, airports and offices!). Thank you for answering my many questions, and those of others. I will look for more tours and consider joining others. Great job and keep up the good work. A most enjoyable Sunday morning for me - and we look forward to one day being able to visit and do these tours in person!

A most enjoyable Sunday morning for me.

Nice tour and a very professional team. The only drawback is the internet quality is probably pour such that I cannot see the cherry blossom very clearly. But the team is doing a very good job for the whole tour.

Many thanks.

28 Mar 2021

Many thanks for his warm spring moment.

It was fantastic, many thanks and have a beautiful sunday.

I enjoyed the tour.

I enjoyed this nice tour very much.

I want to see more!

I enjoyed the tour very much. As far as I am concerned, please do it again, for instance what the shops sell, or what kind of food you can buy. More over old buildings or memories (the tower we saw or the statue) in Tokyo or somewhere else in Japan.

It was a very good zoom session, nice.

I enjoyed the guided live.

I enjoyed it and found it very interesting and very nice to be guided live.

The quarity was not good.

27 Mar 2021

Video quality and production quality was very bad. I left the tour early.

I am very satisfied and enjoyed.

This is my first time to join an online tour. I’m a Japanese and now I’m studying English. Since this is the nice opportunity that I can learn English and enjoy cherry blossom, so I applied this tour. And the result is, I am very satisfied and enjoyed. I’d like to say thank you to both guide for the great time with their professional skill and knowledge.

Very interesting tour!

12 Mar 2021

The whole tour was interesting, to virtually walk the town and see the the scenery, with information from the guide. Very nice to have a conversation during the tour.

21 Feb 2021

Special thanks for all the tour guide people who were outside with Cameras. One comment is if there are virtual tour for locations for travelers with school age children will be awesome! -Kizzania? Museums, etc...

We really loved the tour!!

It really was a very special experience for us so we feel it was worth an extra gratuity.

Interactive fun tour!

Visiting Japan in English was very refreshing. It was a lot of fun!

The tour was very good thank you.

The host was great. I would be interested in knowing more about the wildlife and natural environment/sights of Japan for future tours.

Blown away by the quality!

13 Feb 2021

All the parts of today's activity were beautiful and interesting, both the preparation and explanation of the tea ceremony as well as the Origami demonstration. Great Job. I will gladly participate on future events.

Real Professionalism!

This has been an amazing experience. Both the interpreter (Damiano) as well as the ta ceremony teacher were very professional. Their communication was very clear, the explanation about the tea ceremony was very clear and complete. Truly a wonderful experience with an excellent organization.Even if we were far away, we could experience and feel the atmosphere of this ceremony.

Loved the Webinar!

Keep doing more webinars ( English is ok for me!) Thye are very interesting, they make us travel with our mind and feel closer!

I really enjoyed this tour!

14 Jan 2020

It was a very nostalgic tour. thank you.

Great friendly and fun host.

All staff on virtual tours were very pleasant and bubbly. Appreciate very much for being able to go on this virtual tour. It's an oasis amidst this horrid situation!

22 Dec 2020

I want to watch virtual tour more time... I spent great time with you, thank you!

These virtual tours are an excellent.

17 Dec 2020

Due to the covid outbreak I cannot travel as planned to Japan. 懐かしい。These virtual tours are an excellent way to kind of be in Japan anyway. I really enjoy it!

23 Dec 2020

All tours were great and enjoyable , thanks alot .

Here comes a day "Travel vie internet". People originally went to travel on foot, crossed the ocean by ship, and then fly in the sky by airplane. And the form of the travel is now changing again, so called "Journey Revolution". By connecting Japan interactively in real time via internet, travel becomes easier, more convenient and even fascinating! The cutting-edge journey is here.

• Virtual Tours

Japan Virtual Tours & Experiences

Book a virtual tour or online experience in japan.

View all 1126 reviews

Japan Virtual Tours

Zoom- Private live virtual experience in Tokyo

You can enjoy seeing the real time viewing via zoom while hearing interesting story, useful information, meanings of each spot from a professional guide. the guide visits popular spots in asakusa or in akihabara. i've done live zoom tour many times for individual customers and as a company’s event including through other sites since 2020. let's join this popular virtual experience by your self, with your family and friends.

Delightful History Walk in Samurai Town

This tour is the best for a company recreation event, and you learn something new together. It's a virtual walking of the beautiful city Kamakura with a friendly local guide. We enjoy a history and town walk. It's relaxed, knowledgeable, and fun! I have experience in hosting groups of up to 110 people. I'm flexible for tour date/time and the number of guests. I am waiting for your contact.

Online Tour! - Grasping Okinawa's Charms

An hour online tour consists of a presentation of okinawa's basic information, an online tour of must-see spots including the world heritage sites, and a q&a session..

Your First Origami Online Workshop

Touch a tip of japanese culture prior to your tour picking this online experience of origami up. it is an art and a joy of paper folding which can be enjoyed by everybody interested in this oriental culture. just with one hour workshop, you will be able to create your own origami works such as a great samurai helmet, a pretty butterfly, a joyful jumping frog, a paper container for candies, and a traditional japanese crane (orizuru) from square sheets of paper..

Online Talk about Japanese Tea

I’ve enjoyed offering a tea tour here in shizuoka, japan’s no.1 tea producer. now, under the situation of covid19, i’d like to suggest an online opportunity for tea lovers across the world as a japanese tea instructor, i can share the information on tea including types of tea, production, process, health benefits, how to enjoy it and the like. i hope this will be a help for you to know more about japanese tea. you can gain further understanding and enjoy it more in your future visit.

Online Cherry Blossom Crawling Tour in Kyoto / Osaka

Spring is a beautiful season especially to see cherry blossoms. unfortunately this year you cannot visit japan to see the beautiful scenery. but why not online i'll take you to the best cherry blossom spots i recommend on the day. there are 2 plans depending on weather and blooming condition. 1. live tour (guide at site) 2. virtual tour (guide from home) both are provided with beautiful scenery and the guidance about the place and japanese culture by the experienced tourguide..

Online Introduction to Sake World

Sake, or nihon-shu, is the most representative alcoholic beverage in japan. sake may be available at your place, but i'm afraid that some of them are different from real sake, or you have taken sake only at a sushi restaurant. i offer this online introduction to the sake world with a private lesson via zoom meeting system for you to get a basic understanding of sake before your tour to japan..

Hidden Zen Garden (Autumn Edition)

Experience the power of nature and art while you virtually travel to japan and immerse yourself in the mystical zen gardens of konchi-in and tenju-an. led by an american japanese garden specialist who has worked in the gardens of kyoto, you will virtually stroll the gardens and hear deep insights into your surroundings that will allow you to appreciate the japanese garden for much more than it's physical beauty..

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Japan Tour Reviews

Tour Planning with an expert guide

“ Very knowledgeable, friendly and a joy to work with! ”

I count my lucky stars that my paths crossed with Tomoko. If I only had one word to describe working with her - I couldn’t do it. What I enjoyed the most is that she takes the time to listen and ask questions. She personalizes everything to my liking and does not take a “cookie-cutter” approach. Thank you Tomoko! You are the best guide!

Thank you for such a great review, David. It’s more than what I did, but I feel so happy that you and your wife enjoyed the time. I just did what I would want to be done for myself as a travel lover like you! The current regulations are complicated and overloading, but I sincerely hope you’ll find the way to get through them and enjoy wonderful time in Japan. - Tomoko

Check out Kamakura !! Live Zoom Tour with Video

“ Excellent guide ”

Yuki is an excellent Zoom online guide. He is knowledgeable about Kamakura and very keen to guide me. I strongly recommend him to you.

Dear Masato, Thank you for taking time to write such a good review of my tour. I hope my tour would be useful for making your own online tour. Best regards, Yuki

“ Great visit of Akihabara ”

Masa is a great guide, he has a lot of knowledge about Japan and I had a great time with him

Hi Antoine! Yes, we had a good walking and talking like locals. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. Thank you.

The best tours and activities

With a real local of your choice

The option to personalize your tour

Just contact your favorite local

Only private tours!

So no group tours with strangers

Related Japan Tour Guide Pages

Take on Japan’s sites and sounds from the comfort of your screen with a local tour guide that transforms cities & towns into an accessible virtual tour.

Looking to walk through a Samurai Town on your lunch break? Perhaps you’re trying to plan an in-person trip through charming Okinawa, but you’d like a visualizer first? Our virtual tours grant instant access to hidden gems and well known sites, from a cherry blossom journey in Kyoto, to Mt Fuji views in Hakone.

Set across Japan, our interactive, immersive virtual tours take you through the cultural, historical and social aspects of deeply impactful elements of Japanese heritage, from tea ceremonies and customs, to the delicate art of origami.

Trip Insight

Custom private tour and study tour in japan, japan live online tours.

Trip Insight is now offering Japan Live Online Tours. Japan Live Online Tours allow you to feel like you are traveling in Japan from your home, office, or wherever you are. You can virtually experience a tour to Japan without actually going there. Live online tours are easy, convenient, and efficient.

Trip Insight’s live online tours include walking tours, bike tours, and educational tours. In addition to tours, there are cooking classes, study programs, and various participatory “personal experience” programs.

The online tour guide will actually visit the site, and broadcast it live via video camera. The tour guide will take you to must-see local landmarks, historical sites, and buildings, and will show you the history and culture of the area through the back streets, as well as the main streets.

Our tour guides are experienced, knowledgeable professional interpreter-tour guides, who are nationally licensed and live in the local area. You can use the chat function to direct questions to your guide in real time, so not only will you watch, but also enjoy two-way communication between us.

Trip Insight also offers customized live online tours. Please feel free to contact us to discuss places you would like to visit; what you would like to experience; and, your preferred date and time. We can also organize a private online tour for you or your group. Additionally, we can arrange live online tours, study tours, and exchange programs for schools, companies, and organizations. Please feel free to contact us anytime.

We use the ZOOM Meeting application for all live online tours. For further details, please see the following information. If you have any questions or requests, please do not hesitate to contact us. We very much look forward to serving you.

Cancellation Policy

No fees will be charged for cancellations made 4 or more days prior to the date of the tour. Cancellations made 3 or less days prior to the day of the tour will incur a fee equivalent to 100% of the tour cost.

How To Make a Reservation, and Day of the Tour

1. Please select a tour, and check the details. 2. Please make a reservation using the Reservation Form. Payment can be made online (credit card or PayPal). 3. After your reservation is confirmed, we will send you a confirmation email, along with the appropriate ZOOM URL and ID. 4. Please make sure that you have downloaded ZOOM, and have a suitable WiFi environment, computer, or smartphone. 5. At the set date and time of the live online tour, please access ZOOM and join the tour.

Notes Please be sure to check the following:

• Please note that the live online tour will be conducted at JST (GMT +9:00) Japan time.
• If you do not receive a confirmation email from us by the day before the tour, please contact us. Please check your junk mail folder as well.
• If you neglect to join us on the day of the event without notifying us, it will be considered as a cancellation on the day of the event, and you will not be eligible for a refund.
• If you are unable to join the tour after 10 minutes into the start time, it will be treated as a cancellation on the day of the tour.
• Please note that tour dates and times are subject to change due to local conditions.
• To participate in the tour, please download the ZOOM app to your computer or smart phone, and be sure to always have the latest version. If necessary, bring your own webcam, microphone, and speakers.
• Please note that there may be times during the live online tour when the video or audio may be interrupted due to communication or ZOOM issues; however, this will not warrant a refund.
• The customer is responsible for all communication charges incurred during participation.
• The tour may be recorded for future quality improvement purposes.
• Please note that we may be limited in our ability to answer your questions.
• For privacy reasons, please refrain from recording the tour or posting on video sites.

Related posts:

• ← Japan Online Study Tours
• Introduction to Japan Study Tours →

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Visit the best Japanese museums from home: Virtual tours

Visit the best Japanese museums from home: Virtual tours

June 15, 2022

Although you may not be planning to travel around Japan with a JR Pass for a while, it’s now possible to explore some of Japan’s best museums digitally and get a good idea of what to expect when you do arrive.

It’s now entirely possible to visit a range of galleries and museums in Japan online via offer a virtual exhibition tour, simply by using the Google Arts & Culture Street View from the comfort of your sofa .

See below for a full guide to some of the best Japanese Museums and what they offer on a virtual tour.

Adachi Museum of Art

Located in Shimane Prefecture, this museum has been dedicated to promoting modern Japanese art since it opened in 1970. The museum is especially famous for its stunning gardens , designed by founder Zenko Adachi, which rank among the best public gardens in Japan .

The museum itself is home to a wide range of modern art from Japan, including a large number of works by famed artist Taikan Yokoyama .

Art lovers can now view over 140 pieces of the Adachi collection from home through the Google Art & Culture Street View, as well as take a virtual tour of the award-winning gardens.

Chihiro Art Museum

Located in the Nerima Ward of Tokyo, this small gallery displays the colorful pastel art of renowned illustrator Chihiro Iwasaki , as well as several other Japanese children’s book artists.

Perfect for kids , the upbeat work of Iwasaki frequently features depictions of flowers and children, and the museum has welcomed over 2 million guests since opening in 1970. Traveling Chihiro Exhibitions have accumulated an additional 2 million visitors across Japan.

It makes sense, then, that the museum now operates a virtual tour of 3 exhibitions that shows off some of Iwasaki’s best art online.

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

This museum in Fukuoka aims to underline the difference between Asian and Western art and accentuate the unique charm of art culture from a range of countries across Asia.

Lovers of Asian art can now explore the collection from home, as the museum has now launched a virtual tour of over 150 pieces , a generous sample of work which takes in a variety of mediums.

Those who wish to learn about Fukuoka itself, as well as the vibrant culture of the island of Kyushu, are also able to do so virtually via a tour of the Fukuoka City Museum .

Kyoto National Museum

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyoto , the city’s National Museum features over 8,000 artworks and a range of both temporary and permanent exhibitions with a focus on pre-modern Japanese art .

Kyoto National Museum is one of the oldest and largest in Japan with a collection including almost 200 Important Cultural Properties and 29 National Treasures.

Nevertheless, it has recently fully come into the modern age with the launch of an online gallery including over 200 pieces of art.

Kyoto Prefectural Domoto Insho Museum of Fine Art

Another important museum located in Kyoto city , this Japanese fine gallery was established in 1966 to display the art of Insho Domoto , widely considered to be one of the best painters from Japan .

In addition to displaying a range of Domoto’s abstract paintings , the museum’s interiors and exteriors also happened to have been designed by the artist himself.

Lovers of the artist’s work, including his masterpiece, can now take a virtual tour online to both discover a variety of Domoto’s revered paintings and marvel at his superior architectural design.

Ohara Museum of Art

Located just a 2-minute walk from the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture , the Ohara Museum of Art was inaugurated in 1930 as the first permanent collection of Western artwork in Japan .

Although the museum’s collection was initially exclusively composed of 19th and 20th-century French paintings and sculptures, it now includes works from a variety of international artists , including world-famous American and Italian painters.

Important pieces of art by Gauguin, Picasso, and Monet can all be found in the museum, and over 40 works from the collection can now be viewed on an online tour .

Miraikan, also known as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation , opened in 2001 and is located in Tokyo’s Odaiba district .

The aim of Miraikan is to allow visitors to explore modern technology , the environment, life science, and space exploration through hands-on contact and a range of interactive exhibitions .

Fans of science all over the globe are now able to explore the exhibitions online , including microcomputers and a range of robots to tiny computers, on Miraikan’s Google Arts & Culture page.

National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

This Tokyo museum was opened as the first national space for art in Japan in 1952 and features a range of work dating from the Meji Period to the present day,

The large collection includes a number of illustrations by Shohachi Kimura and Eisaku Wada’s ‘Old Woman’ oil painting, as well as several works by renowned Japanese abstract artists.

The museum has also decided to display a large portion of its collection on Google Street View, including over 120 Nihonga (Japanese-style paintings).

National Museum of Nature and Science

Located in Tokyo’s Ueno Park , Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science is the largest in the country and boasts a range of interactive scientific experiments as well as several natural history exhibitions.

Like many other museums in Ueno, they have recently chosen to implement a virtual tour of 2 exhibitions , the Global Gallery, and the Japan Gallery.

Combined, these online galleries offer visitors over 300 museum pieces to explore, including a number of animal skeletons and taxidermy specimens housed in the collection.

Tokyo Museum of Western Art

Another gallery located in the museum and zoo complex in Ueno Park, the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo was founded in 1959 and remains an extremely popular attraction in the city, attracting well over 1 million yearly visitors.

The only national institution devoted to Western art in Japan , the museum was established around the collection of Matsukata Kojiro. This wealthy businessman devoted his lift and fortune to provide the Japanese public with opportunities to appreciate works ranging from the Renaissance to the early 20th century .

Tokyo National Museum

Japan’s oldest national museum , dating back to 1872, contains both a large collection of artwork from Japan and from other Asian countries.

One of the biggest art galleries in the whole world, the National museum boasts over 100,000 pieces including 89 Japanese national treasures. It mostly focuses on displaying ancient and medieval Japanese art, as well as Greco-Buddhist artifacts.

Tottori Sand Museum

Nestled among the Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori Prefecture, Japan’s only art space dedicated to sand sculptures features both an open-air sculpture museum and the world’s first permanent indoor exhibition hall honoring the craft.

The museum’s online exhibition space contains an extensive archive of some of the greatest works created in Tottori by the best sand artists in the world .

The ever-changing displays including sculptures of famous architecture such as the Taj Mahal and Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

Unko Museum Tokyo

Fan all of the things kitsch will be overjoyed to learn that Tokyo has its very own museum exclusively dedicated to poop , located in the Odaiba district, which has become one of Japan’s most buzzed-about attractions.

Unko is ‘poo’ in Japanese meaning that this candy-colored space is fully committed to providing a range of poop-themed interactive games and challenges, as well as a gift-shop fully stocked with toilet-themed goods.

Spurred on by the coronavirus pandemic, they have also created an extensive online space to help beat boredom during the quarantine. This cheeky electronic museum features an interactive chat where you can talk to the sentient Unko mascot, Unberto, as well as a gallery of toilet art created by celebrities .

Unberto is also hosting regular live sessions on Unko Museum’s official Instagram page to answer any questions about bowel movements his fans may have.

Yamatane Museum of Art

Located in Tokyo’s Shibuya district , the Yamatane Museum of Art was established as the first museum dedicated to Nihonga and watercolor paintings in Japan in 1966.

Founder Taneji Yamazaki donated his own extensive collection of Japanese art to the space, including a number of paintings designated as an “object of national cultural significance”.

The museum has also made a large part of its collection available online, including over 50 items on Google Art & Culture Street View.

This virtual exhibition includes several paintings of traditionally dressed Japanese women by the respected artist and activist Uemura Shōen , as well as a huge range of spectacular landscapes dating back to the Edo period.

Osamu Tezuka Museum

The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, located in the city of Takarazuka, north of Osaka prefecture , is dedicated to what is considered by many to be the “ father of manga “.

In this museum we can see photos of the artist himself, as well as his first illustrations. There is also a series of Astro Boy anime video clips, where you can see how animation has evolved over the decades .

Rember that you easily find many of the virtual tours offered by museums in Japan by browsing the Google Arts and Culture Page .

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Japan

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Japan. There are 283 trips to choose from, that range from 5 days in length, up to 28 days. The month with the most departures is October, making it the most popular time to visit Japan.

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250+ fully guided tour packages in japan with 4,207 reviews.

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Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

Excellent tour with G Adventures, and had the best tour guide (Ayako Ueda). I’ve been on several tours in different countries & continents and would say this is the best by far - great itinerary & excellent tour guide!

• Coach / Bus

Contrasts of Japan

I was hesitant being dictated by a tour guide for 9 days being a seasoned traveller but this was a fantastic tour, shout out to our tour guides, Paco was so cool lovely guy, David S always worried about his passengers and making sure everyone were where we needed to be. great guy and Jose.. no words, he is such a great guy very sweet, all very knowledgeable of Japan’s History all of them live in Japan, had great conversations with them all. met so many great people, never bored and never on the bus for more then 1.5 hours a day, I finished my tour in Hiroshima but wish I extended it to a longer tour, the team at Europamundo are awesome..

Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food

I loved the tour and Machiko made it all that much better - she was so helpful and I'll never forget Snoopy-san! We had enough free time to do what we wanted and were encouraged to try things that were not the usual such as little bars and restaurants tucked away up stairs or down alleys. Some of the best nights were had in those places! I tried so many different types of food that we just don't eat in New Zealand which was quite the experience.

Japan Delight with Hiroshima(private 3 star hotel rooms)

Stunning Tours was my first experience with group travel, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in trying it out. I just got back from the Japan trip, which was perfectly curated with a great array of cultural activities. The itinerary had a great mixture of unique cultural experiences, sightseeing, and relaxing vacation vibes. Not only would I recommend Stunning Tours, but I definitely recommend the Japan tour.

Japan Express

Hiro and Kez were great. Some things were lost in translation but over all they tried their best to make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible and went over and above

Central Japan

Enjoyed the exposure to modern as well as traditional Japan. Would have liked a few more natural scenery stops, eg waterfalls and a few less temples.

Stunning Japan with Shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms)

An enjoyable tour. Mixture of all age groups and a manageable size. Covered the main sightseeing things and encountered many Japanese experiences along the way. My expectations were met.

Back Roads of Japan

The booking process was direct and simple. All my queries were responded to promptly and there were no problems with the site or the tour company.

Wonders of Japan End Osaka

Great tour. Very comprehensive

Central Japan End Kyoto

Positive: great tour guides, perfect sites to see, good food, nice hotels Cons: not enough time to see certain sites. Was hard to have English and Spanish mix together

Epic 13-Day Japan Budget Tour: Odyssey Across the Land of the Rising Sun

A very convenient way to visit Japan.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Discover Japan

The Discover Japan tour was excellent primarily thanks to our Chief Experience Officer (CEO) Ted (Tetsuji Watanabe). Most outstanding was his care of every detail of our trip which started on the day that Japan was hit by a typhoon. Other than minor changes in the travel schedule, Ted was able to get us last minute rail/bus tickets to ensure that we did not miss any of the planned activities. In addition, he provided daily emails with suggestions on what to do on our free time and he guided us to those places.

All Inclusive Japan Classics- 9 days

It was a fantastic trip!

Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples

My expectations for the tour was exceeded. I had a really good time and I am really thankful to our CEO Ms. Ayako Ueda.

Premium Japan

We had an amazing holiday. Japan was all we had hoped for. The group worked so well, we all got on and became good friends. Shingo, our guide was totally great. He was so pleasant and helpful. His English not brilliant but he did a great job. We felt maybe a little more information on places and sights might have been good. He was constantly helping us all and looking after us. He made great suggestions for meals and always checked up on us all, even when we split into smaller groups for the evening. He went way beyond what he could have done and made everyone feel safe and well looked after. He even helped booking all our onward travel and ensured we were all ok on the day. Wonderful man!! The hotels were nice, if a little small with almost no storage in most of them! Breakfasts were generally very good. We saw and did so much. In fact, we felt sometimes it was a little too much to fit into each day, and either missed some things out or were too rushed, missing stopping and looking at leisure at things and shops etc. Shingo was so patient, even when we caused him to run a little late! Due to distances covered we spent a lot of time travelling which was an interesting experience. Just meant time at destinations was a little short. As Most of us were older we all felt very tired at the end of each day and struggled especially when we had to carry back packs whilst waiting to be reunited with luggage. Dont know what the answer is, if extra days added, then expense goes up. If itinerary cut back, then Interesting sights missed out! Overall, a truly great trip. We enjoyed it all!

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Japan

The guide was the best

Good tour - maybe too many temples

Japan was so fun! A looooooot of free time so do you researches about what to do and visit in every city. Would have love more ''organised'' activities (like a dinner every night with the group,...). Compared to other G Adventures tour I did in the past, I felt that this group was less stick together since there was only a few group activities.

Regions in Japan

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• Japan Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
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Visit Japan Web: The Online Registration Before Arriving in Japan

Japanese customs: mysos replaced from november, 14,  2022.

During the Covid pandemic, entry procedures in Japan have changed a lot, which created some confusion. It is still somewhat the case after the reopening to tourism since October 11, even if a focus has been placed on easing the procedures especially through digitalization , to minimize human interactions and subsequent contamination risks.

Until recently, the Japanese government asked visitors to install specific app on their smartphones:

• MySOS, for advance registration of information regarding vaccine status / PCR test, for faster airport procedures in Japan (the "fast track" system)
• COCOA, an app to track contact-cases and infected persons, but it was discontinued in September 2022.

MySOS was not mandatory but highly recommended . Travelers who could not use the app were directed upon their arrival in Japan to a specific line in order to complete the necessary steps (showing a valid vaccination certificate / PCR test, etc.) which lengthened their time at the airport.

New website available since November 1st, 2022

In mid-October 2022, a new change in the procedure has been announced for all entry in Japan from November 14 included : every traveler (tourist, foreign resident and Japanese citizen alike) can register in advance on the Visit Japan Web site.

Visit Japan Web is a free, single portal to group formalities related to:

• Covid-19   🦠 ( quarantine , vaccination certificate, PCR test); The Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures section collects the information that were previously filled in the MySOS app ("Fast Track" function);
• Immigration : the Disembarkation Card for Foreigner that was formerly handed in the plane  ✈️ just before landing (does not concern Japanese citizens and foreign permanent residents);
• Customs  🛂 , with the Declaration of Personal effects and Unaccompanied Articles , to fill upon arrival, formerly either on a paper form or on the Japanese government’s Zeikan shinkoku app (税関申告アプリ).

In the facts, registering on the website has been possible since November 1, 2022 , for any arrival in Japan from November 14 in one of its largest airports:

• Tokyo -Narita,
• Tokyo-Haneda,
• Osaka - Kansai (KIX),
• Chubu ( Nagoya ),
• Fukuoka ( Kyushu ),
• New Chitose ( Hokkaido ) and
• Naha ( Okinawa ).

Travelers arriving in Japan before November 14, 2022, can still use the MySoS app to fill their Covid related data and are not the target of the Visit Japan Web.

1 blue screen and 2 QR Codes to show on a smartphone

Like with MySOS previously, each step of the registration process is ended by a change in the page display that includes:

• A blue screen , for a successful quarantine procedure registration,
• and the creation of 2 QR Codes for customs and immigration procedures.

Once all the steps are completed, a visitor’s smartphone  📱 will display first a blue screen, then 2 QR Codes to show at each checkpoint.

Starting April 29, 2023 , according to March 10 and April 26 latest announcements of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, some of the borders restrictions will be lifted and the Covid-19 quarantine procedure (blue screen) will not be required anymore .

It is highly recommended to register before departing for Japan : at the latest 6h prior to the flight’s departure, and ideally within the 10 preceding days , in order to allow time for the review of the submitted documents. Reviews are sorted by date of arrival in Japan . Visit Japan Web is available in English.

Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, consider using Visit Japan Web to make sure to board your flight to Japan, as airlines reserve the right to refuse passengers who may potentially be banned at the Quarantine Procedures step.

The necessary documents are:

• A valid email address (will be used as a user ID to each access to Visit Japan Web);
• Until April 29, 2023 , Covid vaccination certificate or negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before departure and translated in English (use the Japanese-English form provided by the Japanese Ministry of Health here );
• An address in Japan (for example, of the first accommodation you will be staying at).

If traveling with underage children , it is possible to register them on the same Visit Japan Web account (up to 10 travelers). Dependent or handicapped adults who cannot go through the procedures alone can also be registered in the Family members traveling with you section. However, each of them has to have their own passport or equivalent immigration document.

Each member of the family registered on the same account will also have their blue screen and 2 QR Codes, to show at checkpoints at the arrival airport in Japan.

Like with MySOS, registering with Visit Japan Web is not mandatory , however it helps going through the entry procedures in Japan faster, and reduces the hurdles of tedious formalities after 12 hours of more spent in a plane.

On April 5, 2023, Kono Taro, the Japanese Minister of Digital Affairs, announced that travelers are no longer required to show any document at arrival airport’s quarantine in Japan . However, filling information forms for immigration and customs is still a requirement.

Additional tips and advice

An Internet  📶 connection is required to use the Visit Japan Web site, especially to create the account, fill in the user’s information, and their family’s when applicable (name, passport number, etc.), the forms regarding vaccination or PCR test and create the first QR Code. The digital Disembarkation Card for Foreigners and custom procedures can be completed offline and the QR codes created upon arrival at the airport.

Creating a Visit Japan Web account is possible on a computer (Chrome browser is recommended) or on a smartphone (Chrome browser recommended on Android). In any case, before departure, make sure to be logged in only on the device you will use to travel (a smartphone ideally), and check that all information is up-to-date.

Questions asked at immigration and customs procedures are the same than on the paper forms. In any event, official Japanese sources (the Embassy of Japan or the Border Control page of the Japanese Ministry of Health for example) are the ultimate references regarding entry procedures in Japan and should be checked frequently.

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21 Day Japan Tours     View Tours

21 day japan tours.

Begin your tour on the north island of Hokkaido. The island is a dream to behold in any season with cherry blossoms in spring and bright fall colors, but its heavy snowfall in winter makes Hokkaido Japan’s preferred winter playground, with exciting snow festivals every February. Summers also delight travelers with fields full of flowers including lavenders and sunflowers. Travel down from there through the gorgeous Tohoku region, which features unforgettable scenes including Matsushima Bay and Hiraizumi as well as historical gems including Sakata, Yamadera, and Ouchijuku. Every traveler to Japan should experience the delights of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Tokyo offers both ancient and futuristic sights to fascinate any first-time visitor, with plenty of museums and other experiences that immerse travelers in an old city of samurai and as a technological city of the future. See the natural beauties of Hakone and the surrounding Mount Fuji area, where you can take a cruise on Lake Ashi in a pirate ship or traverse a mysterious volcanic caldera billowing smoke. Travel from there to Takayama, a charming town in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture with an Old Town heritage district that carefully preserves its classical, Edo-era atmosphere. Further up in the mountains is the UNESCO Heritage Village of Shirakawago, celebrated for its old-fashioned “gassho-zukuri” architecture. Farmhouses with broad thatched roofs “folded like hands in prayer” sit in an idyllic mountain valley surrounded by rice fields. Then continue on to the city of Kanazawa, known as the “Marsh of Gold” for its local specialty product – gold leaf. The city also has one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens – Kenrokuen Garden, which is a delight to behold in any season. Then discover over a thousand years of Japanese culture and history in the ancient city of Kyoto, known for incomparably beautiful temples and shrines, such as Fushimi Inari with its hundreds of red gates, Kiyomizu Temple and its dramatic veranda, and the enchanting Golden Pavilion. Nara is nearby, with a similarly rich atmosphere of classical charm, accented by the hundreds of adorable Sika deer wandering around Nara Park. After, go to Osaka, where visitors are warmly welcomed by the locals with their down-to- earth charm and sarcastic wit, as well as a street food culture that is both eccentric and mouthwatering. Finally, make a visit to Hiroshima, a City of Peace that beckons travelers to stroll their austere and impactful Peace Memorial Park and ponder the dream of a world without war. Just off the coast of the city is Miyajima Island, where travelers behold one of Japan’s Three Views as they gaze upon Itsukushima Shrine and its large torii gate floating over the water.

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Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people..

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people. (smaller group departure available).

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our budget tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget..

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation..

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Group Tour | Deluxe           Book Now & Save $100

Group Tour | Deluxe     Book Now & Save $100

21 Days 20 Nights | from US $8798.00

Furano / Biei / Otaru / Sapporo / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate / Seikan Tunnel / Aomori / Akita / Kakunodate / Hiraizumi / Sendai / Matsushima / Urabandai / Aizu Wakamatsu / Nikko / Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Koka / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Tokushima / Takamatsu / Oboke Gorge / Shimanami Kaido / Hiroshima / Kurashiki / Himeji / Kobe

This tour features japan summer highlights including the summer flowers, festivals & fireworks..

Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate / Matsumae / Mori / Kuromatsunai / Niseko / Otaru / Asahikawa / Biei / Furano / Sapporo / Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Matsumoto / Yudanaka / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Himeji / Kurashiki / Hiroshima / Shimanami Kaido / Obokekyo Gorge / Kotohira / Takamatsu / Kobe

This tour is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of japan's most important and famous locations as well as its hidden gems and rural locations..

Spring Tours (Mar - May)

Summer Tours (Jun - Aug)

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Winter Tours (Dec - Feb)

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Walking Tour

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Seasonal Attractions

Cherry Blossoms

Takayama Spring Festival

Kyoto Aoi Festival

Shibazakura Festivals

Baby Blue Eyes Flowers

Lavenders in Hokkaido

Gion Summer Festival

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals

Awa Odori Dance Festival

Autumn Leaves

Takayama Autumn Festival

Snow Monkeys

Sapporo Snow Festival

Ice Breaker Cruise

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Things Not to Miss

Shirakawago

Miho Museum

Naoshima Island

Himeji Castle

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Sushi-Making Experience

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko

Ise Grand Shrine

Most Beautiful Places in Japan

Otaru Snow Light Path

Tottori Sand Dunes

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Miyajima Island

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine

Adachi Museum of Art

Shimanami Kaido

Takeda Castle Ruin

Kurashiki Canal Area

Takachiho Gorge

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12 of the best places to visit in Japan

From Tokyo to Yokohama, these are the Japanese destinations to tick off your bucket list

There's plenty to see and do in Japan - from staring at the bright lights of Tokyo to finding peace in the scenic Japanese Alps . Many will agree that one of the best times to explore Japan is during the cherry blossom season . Its spectacular spring-time displays can be enjoyed around the country and are celebrated with picnics in the parks and seasonal parties.

While Tokyo and Kyoto are two of the most popular places to visit Japan (and rightly so as they are also some of the most beautiful destinations), there are many places beyond these hotspots, whether it's Japan's cities, islands or mountains you want to explore.

A cruise to Japan is an excellent way to visit multiple regions on one trip and can take you to some undiscovered places. If you're planning ahead for Japan's sell-out cruises, you'll want to check out Good Housekeeping's incredible spring 2025 sailing during the cherry blossom season . It's perfect for getting to know the lesser-known, underrated places, such as Niigata and Toyama.

For any traveller who has always dreamed of visiting Japan, now is the time to get planning and to help inspire your next trip, we've rounded up the best places to visit in Japan in 2024 and beyond.

Check out our favourite Japanese destinations below and visit the Japan National Tourism Organization website for more ideas on places to go.

The first stop for many foreign tourists is Japan's vibrant capital and it's not hard to see why. The world’s most populous metropolis, Tokyo offers tradition and innovation, and unlimited opportunities to eat, shop and explore.

Located on Tokyo Bay in the Kanto region of Honshu, Tokyo is known for its fashion and shopping, from the trendy shopping districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, to the luxury flagships of Ginza. Want to know where to go? Shinjuku is a thriving business district; a mix of gleaming skyscrapers and atmospheric back streets with tiny bars. Asakusa is the heart of Tokyo’s downtown, with ancient temples and traditional stores.

Tokyo is a foodie's paradise too, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, along with hundreds of cheap and delicious ramen shops. You'll want to explore Tokyo's dizzying array of restaurant and dining options, from themed cafés to haute cuisine.

EXPLORE TOKYO ON A 2025 JAPAN CRUISE

Japan’s second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, Osaka is renowned as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the country. It's only a short shinkansen ride from Tokyo, making it a great place to visit in Japan if the capital city is your base. Visitors can step off the bullet train and into a bright and enticing city. Osaka Castle is a must-visit and home to beautiful grounds you can wander through, especially during the cherry blossom season when the spectacular blooms appear.

You'll want to explore other areas in the city too, including the neon lights of Dotombori Bridge and Osaka’s Minami area. Foodies can indulge in the famous culinary delights found in neighbourhoods such as Tenma and Ura Namba. Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with shredded cabbage, flour, egg and dashi is either cooked at the table for diners or left for you to cook yourself.

Discover Osaka during a 17-day cruise holiday to Japan in spring 2025, when you might witness the spectacular cherry blossom displays in the city.

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OSAKA HOTELS

The capital of Kanagawa prefecture, Yokohama grew from a small fishing village during the Edo Period into Japan’s second largest city. A popular city among expats, Yokohama is also home to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns, and preserves some former Western residences in the Yamate district. While here, you must visit one of the city’s traditional and serene Japanese landscape gardens, Sankeien Garden, where you'll find winding trails set among historic buildings.

Another highlight is the bustling new city centre, Minato Mirai, which sits along the water. There's something for everyone here, from shopping centres and an amusement park to museums and relaxing hot spring baths.

Visit Yokohama on the last day of Good Housekeeping's cruise around Japan during the cherry blossom season in 2025.

YOKOHAMA HOTELS

Japanese Alps

The Japanese Alps are a series of spectacular mountain ranges in central Honshu, which are perfect for those who wish to escape the buzz of the country's most popular cities. Think thick pine forests, snow-tipped peaks and teal rivers. Only two hours from Tokyo, this natural paradise offers an excellent place to explore rural Japan.

The Alps are just the place for climbers, skiers, hikers and nature fans. Yamanaka Onsen is set in the mountainous area of Kaga Onsen, situated along a beautiful gorge. The hot spring resort is not only a top-spot for wellness but for traditional crafts – it's Yamanaka lacquerware has a 400-year history in the region. You can discover the contemplative heart of Zen Buddhism's Soto sect at Eiheiji (pictured), a massive temple complex just outside the city of Fukui. Built by the Buddhist monk Dogen (1200-1253), it has over 70 buildings set amid cedars in the mountains.

Meanwhile, the city of Kanazawa offers rich cultural heritage and a history of artistic innovation and excellence. One of the most important centres for culture and art during the Edo period, it remains a superb place for art lovers and culture enthusiasts.

KANAZAWA HOTELS

See the stunning Japanese Alps on a Good Housekeeping tour from Tokyo to Osaka in 2024 or 2025.

EXPLORE THE JAPANESE ALPS

Ancient temples, traditional teahouses and peaceful gardens: Kyoto is all about exploring historic Japan. A city of nearly 2,000 temples and shrines, it's Japan's spiritual heart and a true embodiment of Old Japan. Beyond the futuristic Kyoto Station, modern shopping complexes and sleek luxury hotels lies a city with celebrated centuries-old wonders, breathtaking temples and serene Zen gardens.

Kyoto effortlessly blends the past and present and is a must-see destination for history buffs, art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

While here, you'll want to visit the grand temples, shrines, palaces and gardens in and around the city. Be sure to dine on delicious multi-course kaiseki cuisine and stay in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), too.

Visit ancient Kyoto as part of our Good Housekeeping 13-day tour across the Japanese Alps.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR JAPAN TOUR

KYOTO HOTELS

The vibrant city of Hiroshima has a complicated history, great food and friendly locals. While it's probably most famous for being devastated by a nuclear attack during World War II, Hiroshima as a city promotes peace and understanding.

Every year on 6 August, a memorial service is held to commemorate the victims of the 1945 attack. Thousands write messages of peace on paper lanterns that are lit at sunset to float down the river past the iconic remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome.

During a visit, be sure to check out the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. You should also taste Hiroshima's version of okomiyaki, a local delicacy. Another highlight is going to nearby Miyajima to see its deer and picturesque floating shrine.

Explore Hiroshima during a 2025 spring-time cruise to Japan, where you'll have time to visit the war memorials, shrines and temples.

HIROSHIMA HOTELS

Japan's Tohoku region is home to unspoiled rural landscapes and historical treasures. This northeastern wilderness is a huge region encompassing six rural prefectures that boast custom and heritage. The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck in 2011 brought out the resilient nature of Tohoku's people, and local passion and pride are putting the area back on its feet.

There's a lot to be proud of, too – dramatic landscapes, history-rich sites, craft sake and a host of outdoor activities like rafting, hiking and skiing.

During a trip to the region, you can enjoy the explosive sound, colour and drama of the Aomori Nebuta Festival in summer. Or wander the temples, gardens and archeological sites of World Heritage-listed Hiraizumi in Iwate.

Don't miss an adventure along Hachinohe's section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail and foodies will want to taste the sweet cherries of Yamagata and the juicy peaches of Fukushima.

TOHOKU HOTELS

Shikoku might be the smallest of Japan's four main islands, but there are plenty of natural and culture sites to explore. Traditionally remote, Shikoku is now easy to access from Honshu.

The island offers picturesque coastline on the glittering Seto Inland Sea, legendary udon noodles and picture-perfect onsen. Its stunning Iya Valley, Pacific coastline and free-flowing rivers are best explored on hiking, kayaking and surfboarding adventures.

While here, you can sample the famous udon noodles of Kagawa, take the first steps of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage at temple number one, Ryozenji, in Tokushima, and relax in the hot waters of Dogo Onsen.

SHIKOKU HOTELS

The island of Hokkaido is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in winter, thanks to top resorts like Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano. Sapporo, its main city, is also famous for beer, ramen and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It's not all about winter fun here, though.

Hokkaido’s mild summers also provide relief from Japan’s humidity, and offer ideal conditions for hiking and exploring the many national parks. Much of Hokkaido is wild and unspoiled, with hot springs and volcanic lakes, so you're never too far from nature.

While here, explore the culture and traditions of the indigenous Ainu people at Lake Akan, and journey to the Shiretoko Peninsula to see free-roaming brown bears, foxes and deer. Visiting in the summer? Everyone will be dazzled by the rolling hills of Furano's lavender farms, while foodies will love dining on fresh seafood including succulent crab, salmon and fresh sushi in Hokkaido, too.

Get to know Hokkaido on Good Housekeeping's 2025 cruise, which stops in the city of Hakodate, which is overlooked by the 334-metre Mount Hakodate.

HOKKAIDO HOTELS

We love the distinct seasons in the Toyama region. It lies around two hours north of Tokyo, blanketed by snow in winter and blooming with cherry blossoms in spring. While Toyoma City is renowned for its fresh seafood, the wider region is particularly lovely. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given it's surrounded by rushing rivers and lush mountains.

This beautiful pocket of Japanese countryside is home to the UNESCO-listed area of Gokayama, which comprises the two villages of Ainokura and Suganuma, known for their carefully preserved thatched buildings called gassho-zukuri . The roofs are designed to resemble the hands of Buddhist monks’ pressed together in prayer. In winter, the snow-covered gassho-zukurie take on the look of a magical, fairy tale scene.

Join a Japanese cruise departing in spring 2025, and you’ll call at Toyama as the cherry blossom emerges. On an excursion, you can make the scenic hour-long journey from the cruise terminal to Gokayama, passing through the Nanto area of Toyama, where the Shogawa River and Oyabegawa rapids flow.

VISIT TOYAMA ON A 2025 JAPAN CRUISE

A 2024 extension to Japan's bullet train network makes access to a beautiful region deep in the mountains of the Fukui Prefecture much more accessible for visitors. It offers the chance to visit locations where you can join in with traditional rituals and learn more about Japanese culture in more remote pockets of the country.

The new train journey whisks visitors to locations like Eiheiji, where you’ll find one of the main temples of Zen Buddhism, founded in 1244. It’s a spiritual place amid mountainous scenery and ancient woodland, and guests are invited to join the practice. On departure, guests are presented with a goshuin , a traditional document written in exquisite Japanese calligraphy to certify their visit.

Next to the temple is the Zen Village, where you'll find the beautiful Hakujukan hotel, a sustainably built ryokan. As part of their stay, guests can partake in Zen meditation, known as zazen , before soaking in an open-air bath.

Koyasan, also known as Mount Koya, is thought by many as the most sacred place in all of Japan. Home to the centre of Shingon Buddhism, a sect that was brought to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi, one of the country's most prominent Buddhist monks, this mountain settlement comprises over 100 monasteries and temples.

The Shingon headquarters sit within the Kongobuji temple, which is open to visitors. Here you can learn about how Daishi founded the settlement and visit peaceful Banryutei Rock Garden, Japan’s largest rock garden.

Thanks to its verdant peaks and winding valleys, Koyasan is a popular place for hiking and is the starting point for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a holy route that stretches roughly 750 miles and takes in 88 temples.

Koyasan is easy to access from Osaka via train for a day trip, but stay the night in shukubo (traditional temple lodgings) and you can enjoy a more immersive experience, interacting with monks and sampling their vegetarian cooking.

Visit serene Kōyasan part of Good Housekeeping's 13-day Japan tour.

EXPLORE KOYASAN ON A JAPAN TOUR

KOYASAN HOTELS

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